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Published on
16/01/17
Latest news
EPO Contributes to European Parliament Discussion on the Implementation of the New EU Rules on the Welfare & Traceability of Dogs and Cats
On June 3rd, 2026, EPO, as the voice of the pet sector at European level, contributed to a high-level event held at the European Parliament under the umbrella of the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development entitled “The New EU Rules on the Welfare and Traceability of Dogs and Cats – Delivering Effective Implementation.” Hosted by MEP Manuela Ripa, Rapporteur for the European Parliament's ENVI Committee on this file, the event brought together policymakers, European Commission representatives, veterinarians, breeders, animal welfare organisations and pet sector stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the newly adopted EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. The event attracted a full house and strong engagement from participants, including four Members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum: MEP Manuela Ripa (EPP, Germany), MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), MEP Petras Auštrevičius (Renew Europe, Lithuania) and MEP Carola Everding (The Left, Germany), alongside policy advisers from several political groups involved in the legislative process. As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO welcomed the opportunity to contribute to discussions on this landmark legislation and its implementation. During his intervention, EPO President Svein A. Fosså highlighted EPO's constructive engagement throughout the legislative process and its support for a harmonised framework that strengthens animal welfare, improves traceability and helps combat illegal trade while remaining practical, proportionate and enforceable. A key focus of the event was the transition from legislation to implementation. Speakers and participants emphasised that the success of the new rules will depend on close cooperation between EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders. In this context, EPO underlined the important contribution that the pet sector can make by providing practical expertise and real-world experience to support the effective implementation of the Regulation. The event also provided an important opportunity to further raise the profile of the pet sector within the European Parliament and among EU decision-makers. The strong level of participation demonstrated the growing recognition of the role that responsible pet sector stakeholders can play in supporting the objectives of the Regulation, including improved animal welfare, enhanced traceability, greater consumer confidence and the fight against illegal trade. As attention now turns to the development of the delegated and implementing acts that will shape the practical application of the Regulation, EPO looks forward to continuing its dialogue with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders and to contributing its expertise to support effective and workable implementation across the European Union.
07/06/26
EPO Seminar at Interzoo 2026: Bringing Together the Pet Community to Discuss Key Issues Shaping the Future of the Sector
On May 14th, 2026, EPO held its traditional Seminar at Interzoo in Nuremberg, bringing together EPO members, partners and friends from across Europe and beyond for an afternoon of exchange, discussion and networking. As every Interzoo edition demonstrates, the EPO Seminar remains a valuable opportunity for the pet community to meet face-to-face, strengthen relationships and discuss the key policy, scientific and regulatory developments affecting the sector. The 2026 seminar featured a diverse programme covering several topics of major relevance to the pet sector. Participants received an overview of the newly adopted EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats from Andrea Gavinelli, Head of Unit for Animal Welfare at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), providing timely insights into one of the most significant legislative developments affecting companion animals in Europe. The seminar also explored important scientific and husbandry-related topics. Dr. Tracey King, EPO Scientific Coordinator, presented on the relationship between domestication, adaptation and the need to avoid extreme traits in companion animals- as an outcome of the EPO Working Group on Domestication and Extreme Breeding, while Charles Thompson of the Reptile & Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA) discussed the management of deleterious genes in modern herpetoculture. These presentations generated lively discussions among participants and highlighted the sector's commitment to responsible animal keeping and continuous improvement in animal welfare practices. As in previous years, one of the greatest strengths of the EPO Seminar was the opportunity it provided for open dialogue among stakeholders from different backgrounds and countries. Through the roundtable discussions and exchanges with speakers, participants were able to share experiences, discuss common challenges and explore solutions to issues affecting the pet sector at both European and international levels. EPO would like to thank all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and looks forward to continuing this tradition at future Interzoo events, ensuring that the seminar remains an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and knowledge-sharing within the global pet community.
07/06/26
EPO Holds its 2026 Annual General Meeting at Interzoo
The European Pet Organization (EPO) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 14th, 2026 - during Interzoo- , bringing together members and Board representatives to review the organisation’s activities and priorities for the year ahead. The meeting highlighted EPO’s continued engagement with EU institutions on key policy files affecting the pet sector, including the EU proposal on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, wildlife trade, and discussions surrounding a potential EU-wide positive list. Members also reflected on several important initiatives carried out over the past year, including events at the European Parliament and EPO’s first Members Seminar in Brussels. During the AGM, members proceeded with the renewal of several Board positions.Svein A. Fosså (NZB) was reappointed as EPO President for a new two-year mandate, along with Vice President, Gerrit Hofstra (DIBEVO). Members also thanked outgoing Treasurer Norbert Holthenrich (ZZF) for his valuable contribution to the organisation, while Volker Ennenbach (ZZF) was appointed as the new Treasurer. Therese Schumacher (VZFS) and Gabriella Ekstrom (ZOORF) were reappointed as full members of the Cash Committee, and Dr. Katrin Langner (IVH) as deputy member. EPO warmly thanks all its members and partners for their continued support and engagement, and remains committed to representing the voice of the pet sector at European level.
20/05/26
What an incredible & memorable Interzoo 2026 edition for EPO!
Over the course of an inspiring week in Nuremberg, EPO was proud to contribute to and participate in a series of important discussions and events helping shape the future of the pet sector in Europe and beyond. Some key EPO contributions included: • the Interzoo Sustainability Conference on Monday May 11th • the Europe Academy session on May 12th • the International Pet Advisory Council (IPAC) meeting on May 13th • the EPO AGM and EPO Seminar 2026 on May 14th • the “Meet the Experts” session on May 14th Beyond the official programme, the week was filled with many constructive meetings with current and potential new members, valuable exchanges with stakeholders, and moments of genuine collaboration across our sector. And of course, there was also time to celebrate together during the wonderful Tropical Night on May 14th 🌴 A special thank you to the organisers, Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH (WZF) and ZZF – Zentralverband der Heimtierbranche e.V., for delivering such an outstanding Interzoo edition. This week once again demonstrated the strength, commitment, and importance of the pet sector — both in Europe and globally — and highlighted the unique value of bringing together EPO members, partners, and stakeholders. Looking forward to continuing the collaboration and building on the momentum created during this exceptional week.
20/05/26